Nadine J Walters – My Life

Question for myself today: How is your Staycation Art Retreat going?

Answer for today:
Really well! I’ve spent the week painting, teaching a little yoga, and indulging in some well-deserved self-care—just as I had planned.

I’m currently working on a series of four paintings that I rescued from the unfinished pile. I’m also taking a texture class, which has been incredibly fun. I’ve laid down paint, scraped it off, scratched into it, and glazed over it. I’ve experimented with new tools, including a rotary sander—which is absolutely the bomb. These are abstract pieces, and the process is all about layering, shifting, and repainting until something just feels right. I’m still deep in the cycle, but I’m getting close and learning a ton while having a great time.

Unexpectedly, I subbed a few yoga classes this week. Even though I’ve been planning to step away from teaching, I like being there for the studio when they need a hand. Doing this gave me a chance to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in a while, and it felt so good to catch up. It reminded me how easy it is to let friendships fade if we’re not intentional about staying in touch.

And then there’s the indulgence part. It’s funny—I take excellent care of my car, my house, and my dog, but I often put myself at the bottom of the maintenance list. Sure, I eat well, exercise, go to checkups, and meditate, so I lead a healthy lifestyle—but I rarely go beyond the basics.

This week, I decided to change that. I treated myself to a massage (a rare thing for me!) and tried a couple of cold plunge sessions. Both were deeply relaxing and made my body feel amazing. I’m honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed the cold plunge experience. You rotate between a hot sauna and an icy plunge, and while that first dip into the cold water was intense, deep breathing got me through it. Each round became easier, and by the end, I felt absolutely fantastic.

So that’s the Staycation update—creative, restorative, and surprisingly social. I’m soaking it all in and loving every minute. Honestly? I might just keep this Staycation vibe going all summer long.